Towers Perrin Hurricane Blog

The “official” 2009 Atlantic Hurricane season is now winding down with 1 week and 1 month remaining until November 30.  While uncommon, the southeast United States has experienced multiple November landfalls from tropical systems in the past. 

The largest event occurred on November 21, 1985, when Hurricane Kate made landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a category-2 storm.  The 1985 PCS estimates totalled $77 million dollars.  This equates to $154 million if adjusted for inflation.   The i-CAT damage estimator, which accounts for increases in inflation, exposure growth, and property values, estimates 2009 damage at $1.220 billion (includes non-PCS losses). 

November Atlantic Tropical Activity (NOAA)

The 2009 season currently has recorded 8 Named Storms, 2 of which reached hurricane strength, and both which reached intense hurricane strength (>111 mph winds).  These values are below most estimates from the forecasting experts.  Only Claudette made landfall, as a moderate Tropical Storm.

Globally, Tropical Cyclone Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) is running at low levels not seen in 30 years.  The North Atlantic ACE value is 45% of the annual average (through 10/31).